Provenance

Exhibited

Catalogue Note

Zwei Reiter am Strand was probably executed in Liebermann's studio in Berlin, following several studies made during the autumn and winter of 1901 on the Dutch coast at Scheveningen. The riders are in casual riding attire, crossing the beach of the seaside resort; the horse in the foreground trots placidly on the sand while the other prances skittishly, avoiding the waves.

The present work relates closely to another painting of the same title and year shown at the Berlin Secession exhibiton (Matthias Eberle, Max Liebermann. Werkverzeichnis der Gemälde und Ölstudien 1865-1899, Munich, 1995, no. 1901/14).

The description of the scene by an anonymous critic applies to both works: '... They are two riders from the Circus Schumann, which is open all summer in Scheveningen. The horses are trained every morning on the beach, as the soft sand makes a great riding runway – It is thus a mundane activity which has been upgraded by the artist's hand. The whole picture is full of life and dynamism: the morning light surrounding the horses, the white-tipped waves, the cool breeze that plays with the horses' manes' ('Zu unseren Bildern', Berliner Architekturwelt, 1902, issue 9, p. 330).

Max Liebermann

Original canvas. There are no signs of retouching visible under ultraviolet light. Apart from scattered areas of hairline craquelure, notably to the left side, this work is in good condition, with rich colours and a strong surface, and ready to hang. Held in a simple, unvarnished carved wood frame."In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."